The Granola Bar Crunching into Greenwich w/ 2nd Spot

The Granola Bar, known for their healthy spins on classic dishes, fresh juices, and coffee and other wake-ya-up drinks, has made a name for itself in Westport. We’ve been by their spot many times and dig the cool, relaxed vibe . . . and now we won’t have to go so far anymore because they are moving to where we live now: Greenwich.

Pearl East Reopens at 323 Hope Street in Stamford

(From left) Ivy Bacher and Chef Ye will host the Grand Reopening of Pearl East on Thursday, August 13 at 5:30, 323 Hope Street, Stamford. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration. For details, visit http://www.pearleastct.com or call (203) 973-0072.

After a fire that broke out at Pearl East on Summer Street in Stamford, owners Bee (Ivy) Bach and Chef Ye were without a restaurant. And, the people of Stamford were without one of their favorite choices for dependable Chinese and Japanese. Comments poured into their Facebook page, offering sympathy and talking about how sad they were. But, people breathed a sigh of relief when they announced that they would, indeed, reopen.

Well, OmNomivores, that time is here! That’s because on August 13, Pearl East will officially reopen at their new location: 323 Hope Street in Glenbrook! The Grand Opening Party starts at 5:30 and will have a ribbon cutting at 6 that features Stamford Mayor David Martin and CT State Representative William Tong.

And, while you’ll still see many of your old favorites on the menu when you stop by, you’ll also notice some new soon-to-be-favorites, too. That’s because Chef Ye (with legit kitchen experience in Hong Kong) has updated the menu with dishes like “Flounder Filet with Ginger and Scallion,” the “Duck Crepe,” and the “Sizzling BBQ” which is a combination of filet mignon, shrimp, and veggies served on a banana leaf.

Prices range from $14-22, so that’s a very affordable sweet spot to hit, but if you stop by on Grand Opening Day, you’ll get 20% some of the menu items whether you eat there or take out. In terms of hours, check them out from 11-10 pm on Monday-Friday, 12-11 pm on Saturday, and 12-10 pm on Sundays. Plus, fret not: they’ll still have deliveries to Darien, Greenwich, and Stamford, so make sure you have (203) 973-0072 saved in your contacts. ;)

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Pearl East

323 Hope Street

Stamford, CT

(203) 973-0072

 

 

Toni’s Tuscan Table Reopens in Bridgeport w/ Grand Re-Opening Event + Deals

We kind of feel bad sharing this because we know that Toni’s Tuscan Table is a little gem that not everyone has discovered yet . . . so, we know people will be pissed at us for blowing up their spot, but we’ve got some great news to share. Yup, Toni’s Tuscan Table has moved and reopened at 1006 Broad Street in Bridgeport. 

Lugano Wine Bar + Salumeria brings upscale, delish, and affordable Italian to Old Greenwich

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You know (and maybe even love) Molto, ZAZA, Dolce, and some time in the next two weeks, you’re going to know and get intimate with Lugano Wine Bar + Salumeria of Greenwich. This impressive restaurant portfolio belongs to Nick Racanneli Jr. and Senior (and partners), and they know how to do it right. Go into any of these hotspots at night, and you’ll notice the same thing: they’re packed, probably because of the cozy, yet stylish decor, the good prices, the solid drinks, and the dependable Italian food. So logic will tell us that Lugano, located at 1392 E. Putnam Ave. almost on the Greenwich / Stamford border (where Bistro Latino was), will be a huge success. We were lucky enough to get a sneak peak and are pretty psyched about the things that make Lugano similar to the rest of their restaurants, but also, the things that make it unique. Let us break it down into sections for you.

The Menu

Like ZaZa, you can expect an excellent variety of Italian tapas, even some of the tried and true items like their Roasted Truffle Sprouts, Creamy Polenta, and their Crostini. Some other tapas that got us all hungry include Italian Cheese Gravy Fries with bolegnese and creamy burrata, Baby Lamb Chops, Spicy Wings, Panzanella, and Smoked Salmon Carpaccio. In addition, you can go balls to the wall with a meatball tasting for $3.50 for a small order or $10 for a large. Order up the Beef (tomato, basil, grated parm), Turkey (sesame soy jus, scallions, spicy aioli), or House Blend (beef, pork, lamb, tomato, basil, ricotta). Or even get a sampler for $10 so you don’t have to decide.

Total Eclisse of the Heart: Re-Grand Opening Party Including Free Food

Admit it, you clicked on this just because we said “free food.” Well, good, we got ya! Now that you’re here we need to tell you about Eclisse in Stamford. They’ve been around for 20 years and have been one of the main-stays on Canal Street when there wasn’t much else there (now there’s Fairway, Dinosaur, Harlan Social, and more). About a year ago, they changed things up and introduced the Tango Grill, mixing in Argentinian food with Italian. While there were some favorable reviews of this Italian/Argentinian duo, it seems that people online were most happy with their straight forward, classic touches on Italian food.

Dino Sforza of Via Sforza Opens Dino’s Pizza Pie in Norwalk

A couple of weeks ago we broke the news that one of our favorite burger joints, Beach Burger had closed.  In its place, we discovered would be a pizza place.  We weren’t sure Norwalk needed another pizza shop in the area, but then we heard from friend of OmNomCT, Joe Sforza.  His dad is opening Dino’s Pizza Pie up on February 18 in that spot and Joe will be the manager.  While some might say it’s another pizza joint, we’ve eaten at Via Sforza and the food is warm, rustic, and authentic Italian.  Dino will be carrying over the quality, recipes, and passion for great Italian flavors to this location.

Think of it is a pizzeria with a heart of classic Italian food.  Here are some of the dishes that you just might want to order:

• Pizza:  Quattro Stagione  (a classic we had in Rome, literally four seasons) with mooz, sauce, prosciutto, capers, mushrooms, and artichokes
• Appetizers: Burrata with cucumbers and marinated fresh tomatoes.
• Salads and Soups:  Fried Calamari Salad with Romaine and hot cherry peppers, dressed in Caesar.
• Pasta: Cavatelli Nonna with arugula, fresh tomatoes and onions in a light tomato sauce with garlic, topped with shaved ricotta salata.
• Grinders & wraps:  Sausage, peppers, and onions.  Doesn’t get better or more simple than that!
• Stromboli & calzone:  They have two standard options to pick from and also have 23 fillings available for you to make your own masterpiece.